What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy initially created to help patients with borderline personality disorders (BPD). Today, dialectical behavior therapy is the preferred method for treating BPD and many mental health issues like depression and PTSD. DBT is a strategy that teaches patients about acceptance and change. In fact, the word dialectical means integration of opposites. Therapists accept patients’ experiences and reassure them so they can begin focusing on making real changes in their lives. There are four components of a dialectical behavior therapy program:Skilled-training group
Patients begin working on changing their behaviors in a classroom-like setting where a therapist will assign daily homework so they can practice their new skills at home.Individual treatment
Individual therapy focuses on the patient’s unique situation and events that are causing the negative behavior.DBT phone coaching
Phone coaching can help when patients face a troubling issue in their daily lives and need to speak with someone to help them relax and avoid any risky or self-destructive behavior. Therapists will talk directly with patients to help them, as necessary.Consultation team
A consultation team is available for therapists and leaders to meet with others and discuss the ongoing care of patients. Moreover, therapists use consultation teams as a means to stay motivated while treating complex mental health issues.Dialectical Behavior Therapy Modules
Dialectical behavior therapy programs include four behavioral modules:- Mindfulness – Teaching how to be fully aware and live in the moment.
- Distress tolerance – Learn how to tolerate emotional pain, not change it.
- Interpersonal effectiveness – Learn to say no and ask for what you need with healthy communication skills.
- Emotional regulation – Learn how to ignore the emotions that affect you negatively and how you can change your negative emotions.
Is DBT Right for You?
Dialectical behavior therapy works best for patients with multiple mental health issues. These issues include addiction caused by past trauma, emotional or physical abuse, domestic violence, wartime, or the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an extensive program that focuses on four primary areas that focus on specific behaviors:- Life-threatening
- Therapy-interfering
- Quality of life
- Skills acquisition